Durock Mamba vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Ocean both offer a linear typing experience but with some distinct differences. The Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with its smooth and gliding typing sensation, along with a rich and creamy auditory experience. It is categorized as [neutral, mild, thocky, polished]. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean is more understated with no specific standout feature mentioned. It is categorized as []. If you prefer a switch with a unique design and an emphasis on typing feel, the Mamba may be the way to go. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Extended long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Ocean, it is evident that they each offer unique sound profiles and characteristics. The Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a pleasant and bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deep and muted sound, whereas the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials ultimately impact the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Despite the contrasting sound profiles of the top and bottom housing materials in the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE creates a bright and pleasing sound, while the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate housing lends itself to a clearer and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's POM bottom housing produces a deep and muted sound, while the Silent Ocean's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound to create a duller and rounder tone. These differences highlight the importance of housing materials in determining the overall sound experience of a switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Mamba and the Outemu Silent Ocean play a significant role in shaping the sound profile and feel of the switches. While the Mamba's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE offers a unique brightness and depth, the Silent Ocean's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials provide sharper and fuller tones, respectively. Despite these differences, both switches cater to specific preferences and offer a variety of sound profiles to suit different typing styles. Understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance is key to selecting a switch that aligns with individual sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Mamba and Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches, it is clear that they both fall within the medium range of actuation force. The Mamba has a lighter actuation force, as it requires None grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Ocean requires 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Mamba requires 60 grams, whereas the Silent Ocean requires 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. This means that while both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, the Silent Ocean may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being preferable for longer typing sessions and heavier switches for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance than the Silent Ocean, which can result in a quicker response time for users, especially for tasks such as gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the specific use case for the keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
The Outemu Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a neutral and thocky typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. The rich and creamy auditory feedback provides a satisfying typing sound that is pleasant to the ears. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Mamba linear switch is known for its mild and polished typing experience. The gentle typing sensation and smooth key travel create a comfortable and sleek feeling when typing. These qualities of the switch make it approachable to most users and provide a pleasant typing experience overall. Unfortunately, there is no available information on the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, making it challenging to compare it directly with the Mamba in this regard.
Overall, based on the available information, it can be inferred that the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a rich sound profile. While details about the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch are lacking, it is possible that it may provide similar results in terms of sound and feel due to both switches being linear switches. Ultimately, the best switch for an individual will depend on their personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Durock Mamba linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience, the Durock Mamba may be the right choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a switch with a neutral or thocky sound profile and a mild and polished feel, the Mamba is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be the better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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